Copa del Rey - Matchday 4 - 29/11/2016 20:00h

Valencia win 3-1 away to Leganés in cup

November, 29 2016 -

Valencia CF took an important step towards qualifying for the last 16 of the Copa del Rey after they had a 3-1 victory away to CD Leganés.

A clinical finish from Munir El Haddadi put them on their way with a clinical finish after three minutes and then Álvaro Medrán extended their lead with a header midway through the first half.

Darwin Machís did pull a goal back for the home side after the break but substitute Zakaria Bakkali restored the two-goal cushion with an injury time strike.

Cesare Prandelli rung the changes from the LaLiga clash last Saturday away to Sevilla with five players coming into the side including Martín Montoya who made a big impact on the right wing in the first half. They played a similar formation as that against Sevilla with three centre-halves but the fullbacks were given more of a licence to get forward against a Leganés side that has been struggling for goals.

The blanquinegros got the perfect start with a sweet touch from Munir who slotted the ball past keeper Brignoli following a searching cross by Montoya.

Valencia looked confident in possession and were finding holes in the Leganés rearguard but at the same time they had to be careful in defence with Machis failing to hit the target when well-placed and then similarly Ramos was wayward when given the chance to equalise from the centre of the penalty area.

Nani gave another demonstration of his talent with a delightful overhead kick from the edge of the area that came back off the right-hand post.

Leganés threatened again before the break though with Eliaquim Mangala blocking a Machis shot and from the resulting corner Jaume leapt well to parry a header from Pablo Insúa.

After the break the game appeared well-balanced but while Garay had a goal ruled out for a foul on the goalkeeper, at the other end Leganés scored through the dangerous Machis with a well-placed shot in off a post.

Valencia began to sit back losing their grip in the midfield battle and instead looked to use their pace on the breakaway. The game became scrappy and Leganés took the initiative as they put pressure on the Valencia backline.

However, it was Valencia that finished the stronger with substitute Bakkali coming inside Alvaro Molina and striking the ball home from a tight angle.

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Photographs by Lázaro de la Peña, re-use is not permitted.